By Jacob Ajom

Seventeen Dambe Warriors from the northern part of the country, and one from Algeria invaded Victoria Island, Lagos last Sunday for a different reason other than war.

They were not bearing guns or mortar, nor were they armed with spears and arrows. They were at the Muri Okunola Park along Ozumba Mbadiwe Street to participate in the season-ending Dambe Warriors Super fight 2.

In reality, however, it was indeed a war, afterall.

Six professional bouts and three top-flight duels in various weight categories thrilled the over five thousand spectators that thronged the park to witness the fastest growing form of African traditional Martial Art from northern Nigeria. It was the first time in central Lagos.

With one heavily padded fist and raw energy, each warrior gave the crowd his best and the fans cheered at every punch.

Several knockout victories were recorded on the day.

In the heavyweight class, Dogo Maitakwasara dominated Ali Kanim Bello to win via split decision. He won the N1 million on offer. Among the Lightweight division, Kurma and Nasarawa earned promotion into Season 3 of Dambe Warriors League, the former with a narrow one-point victory (88-87) that went the distance and the latter with a brutal second round knockout.

Later in the evening, Yar Mage stunned the crowd and the formidable Zayyanu by coming out swinging furiously, earning a third-round knockout in a tightly contested match.

In the Middleweights, B Yasanda and Messi announced their presence with thunderous knockouts of their own. A main highlight of the promotional fights came at the hands of Messi, who destroyed Algerian contender Salim with a brutal right hand that left the foreigner dazed in the sand with blood dripping down his face.

In the championship bout, Shaban was dominating fan-favorite Ramadan for the first two rounds until RAMADAN landed a desperate right hook that sent his opponent down and did not recover. The crowd roared in delight while RAMADAN screamed to the skies in a touching display of pride.

Vanguard News